Facility management is a constantly evolving field, and there are several trends and innovations that are shaping the industry in 2023. In this article, let’s consider 6 major trends and innovations in facility management in 2023.
Technological Integration: The integration of technology into facility management has been a game changer. From building automation systems to computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Technology has enabled more efficient and effective facility management. Sensors, for example, can be used to monitor energy usage, occupancy, and even air quality, allowing facility managers to make data-driven decisions that improve building efficiency while lowering costs. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a tool used by contractors and architects to develop and scale virtual models of building projects. BIM gives building owners and operators a complete visual model of their facility prior to construction. BIM offer facility teams an improved ability to retrieve O&M manuals, floor plans and asset information.
The Internet of Things (IoT) and AI in Facility Management: IoT refers to the network of internet accessible devices utilized by your facility. The IoT relies on tools such as sensors, thermostats and actuators to evaluate data and reduce the amount of energy used for tasks. Each sensor or gadget collects data about a building in order to better tell a facilities staff about current temperature, light, vibration, or even sound levels in different regions of a structure. While IoT sensors are used for condition monitoring (e.g., motor vibration, temperature, sound, voltage, oil, etc.), other devices like beacons, RFID trackers, bar codes, and occupancy sensors can be configured to monitor security, workplace environments, inventories, materials, and location tracking. When IoT technologies are used correctly, they can lower energy expenses while also providing meaningful data to boost occupant contentment in your property. One ubiquitous issue is that setting up connectivity can be pricey. It will be impossible to aggregate facility data into usable metrics unless you have a single hub into which to integrate devices. However, this technology will continue to advance and will likely be used in future smart buildings.
Predictive Maintenance/Sustainability: Sustainability sometimes described as predictive maintenance has become an increasingly important focus in facility management. Building owners and managers are looking for ways to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and decrease their carbon footprint. This trend has led to the development of green building standards like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and the WELL Building Standard, which focuses on promoting occupant health and well-being.
Outsourcing: Outsourcing has become a popular way for organizations to manage their facilities. By outsourcing facility management services, organizations can focus on their core business activities while leaving the management of their facilities to experts. This can lead to cost savings and improved service quality.
Data Analytics and Cloud-based Data Collection: Data analytics is becoming increasingly important in facility management. By analyzing data on building performance, energy usage, and maintenance activities, facility managers can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions. Cloud-based applications also enable speedier mobile communication, collaboration, and decision-making. Using cloud-based services greatly simplifies data collection, lead to improved building performance, reduced costs, and increased occupant satisfaction.
Collaboration: Collaboration between different stakeholders in facility management, such as building owners, facility managers, and tenants, is becoming more important. As we have witnessed in modern history of estate management, the tussle for control and management of estate management have generated long legal battles and avoidable management and operational crises amongst residents, homeowners and property owners/developers. By working together, stakeholders can identify common goals and work towards achieving them. This can lead to improved building performance, reduced costs, and increased occupant satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
As disruptive forces continue to mold and reshape the way companies think about technology adoption and conducting business, evolving facilities management trends are introducing new dimensions to the FM industry. These new dimensions explore what facilities managers can expect to adopt and embrace in 2023 and beyond.
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